tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80757753017702528802023-11-16T06:07:08.267-05:00Caps 'Round the ClockHarry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.comBlogger833125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-43993886685681402002014-04-10T21:30:00.000-04:002014-04-10T21:31:44.940-04:00End-of-season thoughts on the Capitals - The Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjJrZ3shygpsLahzGjd1MNcP-dBy7puEHiNfO28MXIJmplQcHMcLPmeF32657l4m0Cq10xkQldLJouRtNT2njbkH7coGIYLtByon67lx4zr0YUfqP3zd44gTZgYujJWrAR4aiLkS7yk4/s1600/img_5464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjJrZ3shygpsLahzGjd1MNcP-dBy7puEHiNfO28MXIJmplQcHMcLPmeF32657l4m0Cq10xkQldLJouRtNT2njbkH7coGIYLtByon67lx4zr0YUfqP3zd44gTZgYujJWrAR4aiLkS7yk4/s1600/img_5464.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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So that’s it.
It’s over. For the first
time since the spring of 2007, the Washington Capitals are not in the NHL
playoffs. It’s an odd feeling; one
that I felt was inevitable at some point over the last three seasons, and now
that it has, it’s quite empty. But
it’s here. And now, it’s time to
fix it.<br />
<br /></div>
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Here are some (very early and preliminary) thoughts about this team and how to do just that.<br />
<br /></div>
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I’m not going to go in to deep detail over what finally sunk
this team to the level they are at right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve written about their problems ad nauseam over the last
three years but especially this year and by now, you know what did them in: bad
possession, bad coaching, bad lineup decisions, and poor roster
construction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is nothing new
if you’ve read anything I have written over the last 24 months.</div>
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In reality, this team should have counted itself very lucky
over the last two seasons, but particularly last year, to make the
playoffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was their failure to
realize this that has ultimately led us to this moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of being proactive and trying
to fix a flawed team with deep issues, the cracks were papered over with
rhetoric, public relations work, and t-shirts celebrating yet another Southeast
Division Championship.<br />
<br /></div>
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Now that the team has finally missed the playoffs for the
first time since “the rebuild,” an opportunity has presented itself for real
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means several things,
including but not limited to new people in charge, up and down the totem
pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means a new coach/coaching staff and a new general manager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Names I would consider for each position, respectively: Guy Boucher,
Peter Laviolette, Dan Bylsma/Barry Trotz (should they become available); Jason
Botterill, Al Macisaac, Wayne Thomas, Joe Will.</div>
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Central to the next regime and whoever runs it will be a
return to what made the Capitals successful between 2008 and 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What made them successful was a team
commitment to possession, constant attack, speed, and scoring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The roster was flush with offensive
talent and it had a coaching staff that believed in the elements of successful
hockey in today’s NHL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The results
were wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I know – the
team didn’t get it done in the playoffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That doesn’t mean they weren’t successful, or their strategy didn’t have
merit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were, and it did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not a coincidence that the team
has gotten progressively worse – and alarmingly so – since Bruce Boudreau was
fired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how about those Anaheim
Ducks?<br />
<br /></div>
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On to personnel – the Brooks Laich situation is quite the
pickle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A beloved member of the
franchise and among its most marketable and personable, Laich has been a
mainstay on this team for the better part of a decade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now he’s hurt, has been for most of
the last two seasons, and often struggles to produce even when he is healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he’s healthy, the Capitals would be well served to
exercise their second compliance buyout on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, they would be well served to try and find a trade
partner for a team trying to get to the cap floor (Laich has a no-trade clause,
but it is only five teams long).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His cap hit, even when healthy, far outweighs his value at this point
for a cap team. That $4.5 million off the cap for the next three seasons would be great.<br />
<br /></div>
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Get rid of the right wing logjam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom Wilson shouldn’t have been on this team at all this
season, but in limited action this season he has proven to be a very talented
player with a lot of upside despite being historically buried to an almost comical level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
means a right wing has got to go, likely in a trade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glancing at the depth chart, I could see a player like Troy
Brouwer being flipped along with a prospect or a pick for defensive help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teams are likely to see Brouwer’s 20-plus goals and jump at it, willing to give up something sizable, like a young
defenseman, in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same
could be said for Joel Ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sell
high, folks.<br />
<br /></div>
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Re-sign Mikhail Grabovski.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is basic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grabo has been injured for a lot of this season but when healthy has
been as advertised by just about everyone outside of those in the Toronto
mainstream media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could be a
big piece going forward and plays an important position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In conjunction with this, I’d also like
to get Eric Fehr playing wing again and bring in another center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Toronto is still interested in
dumping Nazem Kadri…<br />
<br /></div>
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In order to keep Grabovski, Dustin Penner has probably got
to go and Jaroslav Halak has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">definitely</i>
got to go, simply because of numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Penner is a fine player and deserved better here but I have a feeling
that GMs will pay up for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Halak just isn’t needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
will require a multi-year contract at a dollar figure north of $4m a season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No thank you.<br />
<br /></div>
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In conclusion, this scratches only the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a lot of things that need to
be addressed here, and I didn’t even mention the biggest one in some new
defensive players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lot
of work to be done, and the next few weeks will be very interesting.</div>
Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-86692372448214624402012-08-27T09:29:00.000-04:002012-08-27T09:29:38.610-04:00Opening Night Lineup Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8W9_g62Y4JhXDYOj39dPmnwlvaq2Bp1ChBCg-QII2_pdIYhfWGQ4eJh5NwUsVbu0whkE2jdxnrgiMVQ7HD7CPT1I6P7DfJBO5YgYQcpg35a2thkHo5wIl-RKKIHQeBAXTMXVgU7_778/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-08-26+at+9.46.00+PM.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8W9_g62Y4JhXDYOj39dPmnwlvaq2Bp1ChBCg-QII2_pdIYhfWGQ4eJh5NwUsVbu0whkE2jdxnrgiMVQ7HD7CPT1I6P7DfJBO5YgYQcpg35a2thkHo5wIl-RKKIHQeBAXTMXVgU7_778/s400/Screen+shot+2012-08-26+at+9.46.00+PM.png.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In my latest for RtR, I predict what the opening night lineup for the Caps should be, complete with lines and defensive pairings. You can read the article <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/august/handicapping-the-opening-night-lineup.html">here</a>.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-66188136322063704102012-08-12T17:23:00.001-04:002012-08-12T17:24:56.957-04:00Line Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fUanmaEhLjpwVZpBs2QYZd5kQb5xS0FgQGNWRsWu9GcbSOTygB_EvXGzXMPvllArZ7h59i4aH9TMKfRxyhO1zkhvr-QYceuizmIqSWcsY5rAFjFpG9YavhqR2V4vT4FHxze_FOGqSh4/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-05-04+at+10.59.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fUanmaEhLjpwVZpBs2QYZd5kQb5xS0FgQGNWRsWu9GcbSOTygB_EvXGzXMPvllArZ7h59i4aH9TMKfRxyhO1zkhvr-QYceuizmIqSWcsY5rAFjFpG9YavhqR2V4vT4FHxze_FOGqSh4/s400/Screen+shot+2012-05-04+at+10.59.33+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>It's been almost two years since I started this blog on a cold, rainy fall night in 2011. Through it, I have met many people who I now consider friends, peers, and colleagues covering the Capitals and the NHL. Using this blog as a starting point, I joined <a href="http://RocktheRed.net/">RocktheRed.net</a> a little over a year ago, expanding to more in-depth analysis and news about the Caps.<br />
<br />
And now, I will be shutting down this blog. Original content on this website has taken a hit in the last year because of my work with RtR, and there is no sense in keeping two blogs running when I really only post to one on a consistent basis. I will continue to link my RtR pieces here for the sake of it, though, and hope to bring you the best coverage I can from that site.<br />
<br />
To everyone who helped me move on, thank you. I never imagined when I started this site that it could grow as much as it did.<br />
<br />
Oh, and I'm starting another sports blog called <a href="http://thehawksnest5.blogspot.com/">The Hawk's Nest</a>. Check it out, I would be much obliged.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-31987218457507631282012-07-20T21:17:00.002-04:002012-07-20T21:19:55.583-04:00Wojtek Wants to Win in Washington? Wow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvxnThOSCt72Wj39I6uxcxe15J1ohaw1tay6Tmzs5B3fBhyphenhyphenoYeETcpFQI4VD3y3AhgtW0rd2lLV8BKo1AGwYn35YsMdd2S9_6XZskvwuc3li0Exlm_6M1yStALo9uhvLs2fDomWo3xtE/s1600/capitals_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvxnThOSCt72Wj39I6uxcxe15J1ohaw1tay6Tmzs5B3fBhyphenhyphenoYeETcpFQI4VD3y3AhgtW0rd2lLV8BKo1AGwYn35YsMdd2S9_6XZskvwuc3li0Exlm_6M1yStALo9uhvLs2fDomWo3xtE/s320/capitals_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Read my latest for RtR, in which I examine new Capital Wojtek Wolski's career and what he could bring to the Washington lineup as George McPhee attempts to replace Alexander Semin. You can read the article <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/july/what-to-expect-from-wojtek-wolski.html">here</a>.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-14014058957429179062012-07-18T10:25:00.000-04:002012-07-18T10:25:04.517-04:00Calle Johansson Named Assistant Coach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufOT228VOWhlbkfy8e3GI8gB00-4M5ONE86Aut-IS9T2i9dhSS0gr4jf7q4rHUn3ae8vDwTK8lZdJH09cWz2nlqQ2f5IIj8Ckg9eA3knivQzur3Q-hoUy8axQ-nRac36dJRoN4Bv3j68/s1600/2008-04-17-CalleJohansson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufOT228VOWhlbkfy8e3GI8gB00-4M5ONE86Aut-IS9T2i9dhSS0gr4jf7q4rHUn3ae8vDwTK8lZdJH09cWz2nlqQ2f5IIj8Ckg9eA3knivQzur3Q-hoUy8axQ-nRac36dJRoN4Bv3j68/s400/2008-04-17-CalleJohansson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Capitals have named Calle Johansson, the franchise's all time leader in games played, as an assistant coach, the team annoucned Wednesday. <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/july/capitals-name-calle-johansson-assistant-coach.html">Read more about the hire here</a>.</div>Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-51483313050054542342012-07-17T21:00:00.000-04:002012-07-17T21:00:43.015-04:00Mike Green Signs - A Necessary Risk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialaydioFj4iJviMTlknNF9t5X-tVL_iJJ7clGIhnhldxxi82naqoTQnhSv2Q1Xw-wsyQY_CUXFPQlRWlGZVQ4L1fWlpKdjNXddLH00cVwPY8cDGJ817yc8BHF_4jObjTxIF7r16f5CbM/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-06-02+at+7.26.03+AM.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialaydioFj4iJviMTlknNF9t5X-tVL_iJJ7clGIhnhldxxi82naqoTQnhSv2Q1Xw-wsyQY_CUXFPQlRWlGZVQ4L1fWlpKdjNXddLH00cVwPY8cDGJ817yc8BHF_4jObjTxIF7r16f5CbM/s400/Screen+shot+2012-06-02+at+7.26.03+AM.png.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Check out my latest for RtR - in which I defend the Mike Green signing as completely necessary despite what many may consider an inflated price and term. You can read the article <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/july/mike-greens-signing-a-necessary-risk.html">here</a>.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-26177007079524881192012-07-14T07:03:00.001-04:002012-07-14T07:03:27.643-04:00Development Camp News, Forsberg Signs ELC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the summer progresses, the Washington Capitals have continued their preparation for the 2012-13 NHL season. Here are links to some of the news out of Kettler over the last week.<br />
<br />
2012's 11th overall pick, Flip Forsberg, has signed his entry level deal with the Capitals. For details, <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/july/capitals-sign-filip-forsberg.html">click here</a>.<br />
<br />
Day four of Development Camp, including a scrimmage, was headlined by Russian goaltender Sergei Kostenko. Read about that and other players <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/july/observations-from-camp-day-four.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Day one of Development Camp made it obvious which Capitals players are closest to making an NHL impact. Read more about that <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/july/observations-from-camp-day-one.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for all your Capitals needs.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-66126559115955935082012-07-08T21:47:00.002-04:002012-07-08T21:48:19.338-04:00Going Camping<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyj1Gn8jlzNpkyaFlSNaNkvLk9iwNN-Ewyr2KWN1KdxvXFOxi0oyHwmr8aykfne9eIbHwhp4hMWu57PEJFPZsrnvwct_2obwkiHJWAF4196Zi7usfCkcZaSXYZjpdBYRId1g547SisRBk/s1600/DSC_4183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyj1Gn8jlzNpkyaFlSNaNkvLk9iwNN-Ewyr2KWN1KdxvXFOxi0oyHwmr8aykfne9eIbHwhp4hMWu57PEJFPZsrnvwct_2obwkiHJWAF4196Zi7usfCkcZaSXYZjpdBYRId1g547SisRBk/s320/DSC_4183.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from KG's District</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Capitals' annual summer development camp starts Monday morning at Kettler. In my latest fro RtR, meet some off the main grid prospects who could make the Caps' future that much brighter. Read the article by <a href="http://The Capitals' annual summer development camp starts Monday morning at Kettler. In my latest fro RtR, meet some off the main grid prospects who could make the Caps' future that much brighter.">clicking here</a>.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-42882473144036119662012-07-02T22:25:00.001-04:002012-07-02T22:25:40.209-04:00Free Agent Folly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpXhkkXZ7uRytv3_oKLOVVykwOuYnszZkiIEQGqTS93gafxCXaraapOgTF6U_uAoRJV5iRb4cwqijdM6g7-8XsZrwK6WB1KBjyRlWS2ksvs0YPcgUvdgNLEmVJwErG_iSSeC8HtpP6EI/s1600/george-mcphee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpXhkkXZ7uRytv3_oKLOVVykwOuYnszZkiIEQGqTS93gafxCXaraapOgTF6U_uAoRJV5iRb4cwqijdM6g7-8XsZrwK6WB1KBjyRlWS2ksvs0YPcgUvdgNLEmVJwErG_iSSeC8HtpP6EI/s400/george-mcphee.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Read my latest for RtR - in which I examine George McPhee once again being smart enough to not let the market dictate his overpaying for mediocre players. <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/july/free-agent-folly.html">Read the article here</a>.</div>Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-7766803254464465712012-06-30T17:01:00.000-04:002012-06-30T17:01:01.248-04:00Oates Hired; Trade Marcus Johansson?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbveLq8-tZlzOQLkmkyoTa-GsV1YAwgtEGJmJNKdA0fTmtmZ2qLT-Q4dxS2KBcBTCuZcn31vsmWOXZFtdytnUGL2l6BPB6mk58BFG9WMEGbpXTFUZmyYaLFewN3C2gXj-IcqnmWO9JRYI/s1600/capitals_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbveLq8-tZlzOQLkmkyoTa-GsV1YAwgtEGJmJNKdA0fTmtmZ2qLT-Q4dxS2KBcBTCuZcn31vsmWOXZFtdytnUGL2l6BPB6mk58BFG9WMEGbpXTFUZmyYaLFewN3C2gXj-IcqnmWO9JRYI/s320/capitals_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Check out my latest two articles for RtR:<br />
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Adam Oates is the new head coach of the Capitals. What does it mean? <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/june/a-new-era.html">Read here</a>.<br />
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Should the Capitals trade Marcus Johansson? Read <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/june/should-the-capitals-trade-marcus-johansson.html">here</a>.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-44323011364743599932012-06-23T15:53:00.000-04:002012-06-23T15:53:06.661-04:00Capitals Go American<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbveLq8-tZlzOQLkmkyoTa-GsV1YAwgtEGJmJNKdA0fTmtmZ2qLT-Q4dxS2KBcBTCuZcn31vsmWOXZFtdytnUGL2l6BPB6mk58BFG9WMEGbpXTFUZmyYaLFewN3C2gXj-IcqnmWO9JRYI/s1600/capitals_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbveLq8-tZlzOQLkmkyoTa-GsV1YAwgtEGJmJNKdA0fTmtmZ2qLT-Q4dxS2KBcBTCuZcn31vsmWOXZFtdytnUGL2l6BPB6mk58BFG9WMEGbpXTFUZmyYaLFewN3C2gXj-IcqnmWO9JRYI/s320/capitals_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Read my latest for RtR - a Saturday column on the Caps' American infusion at the 2012 Draft. <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/june/capitals-dive-into-american-well.html">Read the article here</a>.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-72939822107454541452012-06-23T14:54:00.003-04:002012-06-23T14:54:59.725-04:00Capitals Run Pittsburgh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Read my latest for RtR, in which I recap what was an excellent first night for the Capitals at the 2012 Draft. <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/june/capitals-show-promise-in-pittsburgh.html">Read the article here</a>.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-60566352871480026322012-06-20T22:09:00.000-04:002012-06-20T22:09:44.436-04:00Report Card: Alex Ovechkin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. The final player to be evaluated is winger Alex Ovechkin, who finished his 7th NHL season, all with the Capitals, on this past campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: Coming off the worst statistical season of his career on 2010-11, Ovechkin only got worse in 2011-12. In 78 games played, Ovechkin complied 38 goals (2nd lowest of his career), 65 points (lowest of career), a minus-eight rating (2nd lowest of career) and took 303 shots (lowest of his career). In addition, unlike past years, Ovechkin struggled to find any sort of consistency in his game, and his scoring totals were boosted by two big hot streaks at the turn of the New Year and in late March, respectively. His 65 points still led the team, but if Nicklas Backstrom had been healthy the whole season, they would not have, and it took Ovechkin about a month to catch Backstrom in points after Nicky went down. Even more concerning was Ovechkin's dropoff in corsi rating, especially because in 2010-11 his corsi was still high despite career low offensive output. This year, the Russian winger's puck possession level plummeted to -4.78 (from +11) - which was 8th on the team among 13 forwards that played 40 or more games. Ovechkin also did all of this against relatively weak competition - not only relative to that of his fellow forwards (3rd easiest minutes) but compared to last season. Yikes. <b>Grade</b>: C<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Role Play</u>: Following his down year two seasons ago, I was in a majority of people who expected Ovechkin to return to form this past year. Boy, was I wrong. Ovechkin never got in to a consistent scoring rhythm, did not even come close to a point per game for the first time in his career, and was awful defensively basically the entire season. Sure, he had those "oh wow" moments - Chicago comes to mind - and he likely always will, but that is not enough. For a player with the captaincy of a franchise and the highest annual salary cap hit in the National Hockey League (for another nine years), I expect a lot more than 65 points, little defense, and bad positional play. Ovechkin's leadership was again called into question by some, as well - and fair or not, I don't think a great captain's leadership would be as questioned as often as Ovechkin's is. In short: much was expected from "The Great Eight" this year; he failed to deliver. <b>Grade</b>: C-<br />
<a name='more'></a><u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: On paper, Ovechkin's playoffs do not look that bad: 14 games, five goals, four assists, and a minus-two rating in 14 games. But deeper analysis reveals the same trends as the regular season. Ovechkin had a terrible corsi (-22.92, fourth worst among Capitals forwards), though the toughness of Ovechkin's minutes did increase significantly. Ovechin's defense was also so bad during the playoffs that his coach stapled him to the bench in close games, and his ice time plummeted because of it. Alex also hit the post against the Rangers in game three during the first overtime, a goal that almost certainly would have helped the Capitals somehow make the Conference Finals for the first time in 14 years. It wasn't terrible, and certainly more tangible than the regular season, but Ovechkin has yet to have the signature playoff moment that superstars have. <b>Grade</b>: C+<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Future Potential</u>: Some will tell you that this year was just a terrible aberration and Ovechkin will bounce back to his old ways. In my opinion, they are wrong, because Alex was not unlucky this year and saw favorable minutes to try and score. Ovechkin relies on power plays and shot volume to fuel his offensive totals, and both of those are decreasing for him. In addition, only two wingers since the lockout, Jarome Igina and Jaromir Jagr, have scored 50 goals in a season at age 26 or above (Ovechkin will be 27 in September). Moreover, <a href="http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2011/08/27/alex-ovechkin-and-the-reality-of-a-50-goal-season/">goal scoring prime is before the age of 26 in the modern era</a>, which make it almost a lock that we have seen the Captain's best season - and, as mentioned before, he has a mammoth contract for the next decade. As the pressure on Ovechkin continues to mount, how he responds to it will be key. He can either work to be better all around, like Ilya Kovalchuk, or wallow and burn out, like Pavel Bure. It is his decision, and his alone. How bad does he want it? <b>Grade</b>: C+<br />
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The next report cards, which will be published after the draft, will feature management and coaches. For now, enjoy our Entry Draft coverage, which will be live from Pittsburgh on both Friday and Saturday.<br />
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-88513147541271797092012-06-18T22:01:00.001-04:002012-06-18T22:01:45.821-04:00Report Card: Nicklas Backstrom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. Next up is center Nicklas Backstrom, who finished his fifth NHL season, all with the Capitals, on this past year's campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: Marred by a concussion that caused him to miss 40 games between early January and late March, Backstrom's 2011-12 campaign was very good nonetheless. Playing in 42 games, Backstrom was the only Capital to average more than a point per game and led the team in scoring for more than a month after he was hurt on January 3rd - it took Alex Ovechkin that long to catch him. All told, the Swedish pivot had 14 goals, 30 assists, 24 penalty minutes, and a minus-four rating. The bad rating was fueled by the fact that he was both unlucky (PDO of 986, fourth worst among Capitals forwards), and the fact that Capitals goaltenders only had a .900 save percentage when he was on the ice (second worst among forwards). Backstrom was also one of only five Washington forwards to have a positive corsi rating for puck possession at 3.76, though he did it against <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=30&s=14&f1=2011_s&f2=5v5&f4=C+LW+RW&f5=WSH&f7=20-&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+13+14+29+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67#">very soft minutes</a>. <b>Grade</b>: A-<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Role Play</u>: Coming off a very poor (by his standards) 2010-11, Backstrom was the Capitals' best player when he was healthy, producing steadily offensively and playing reliable defense as Washington's only above-average center. His injury was obviously a huge loss for the Capitals, and with him out of the lineup, the team struggled mightily, but it't not in any way his fault that Rene Bourque decided to behead him. In short, when he was able to lace them up, Nicky was a monster, which is what I expected - he's too good a player to be as average as he was two seasons ago. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: Backstrom played in 13 playoff games and was second on the team in playoff scoring with two goals, six assists, and a plus-two rating. One of his goals was a game winner, in game two against the Bruins, and it was actually his suspension for cross checking Rich Peverley that led to Mike Knuble being inserted to the lineup - which helped DC win their series against Boston. Backstrom was also the <i style="font-weight: bold;">only </i>(!!!) Capitals forward to have a positive puck possession rating in the playoffs at 0.27 - and this time, he did it against middle of the pack competition instead of easy competition. Overall, I was impressed by a player who only played in four regular season games after a concussion before starting postseason play. <b>Grade</b>: A-<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Future Potential</u>: Now 24, Backstrom has become the best player on the Capitals, replacing Alex Ovechkin. There is nothing that Nick cannot do - he can score, pass, run a power play, play defense, win faceoffs at a respectable clip, and possess the puck. He is reliable, smart with the puck, and if the Caps are to win a Cup in the next eight years, he will be right at the center of it as the best and most complete player on the roster (pending a trade for one of the top 10 players in the NHL). For his skill set and reliability, Backstrom's contract (eight more years at $6.7 million per) is a good value for all that he brings, too. The only variable is the possible recurrence of concussion symptoms, which - as we all know from watching Sidney Crosby - are volatile and unpredictable. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
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The next and final report card will feature winger and captain Ovechkin.<br />
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-47576832521286194712012-06-17T22:17:00.001-04:002012-06-18T14:56:49.814-04:00Report Card: Karl Alzner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. Next up is defenseman Karl Alzner, who finished his fourth NHL season, all with the Capitals, on this past year's campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: Alzner was a rock virtually all season again for the Capitals, playing in all 82 games for the second consecutive season. In those 82 games, Alzner set career highs in assists (16) and points (17) while also leading the team in plus minus rating (+17) - this was especially remarkable because he spent most of the season playing his even strength minutes with John Carlson, who had the worst plus minus on the team. Alzner also played the toughest minutes of any Capital at even strength, and the only two defensemen to allow fewer goals against per 60 minutes of 5v5 ice time while playing tougher competition were Ryan McDonagh and Nicklas Lidstrom (per JP). Because Alzner played such incredibly hard minutes, his corsi was the worst on the team among defensemen. Nevertheless, Alzner was a rock all year with very few exceptions as he continued to establish himself as one of the NHL's top shutdown defensemen. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Role Play</u>: Coming off his breakout first full NHL season, Alzner did not regress, unlike his partner John Carlson, in fact getting better in most respects. <a href="http://rockthered.net/2011-articles/september/season-preview-karl-alzner.html">I wrote in this space</a> in September that the Capitals were going to lean in Alzner in all situations, and they did, particularly with a man down, as he led all DC players in shorthanded ice time and averaged over 20 minutes a night. It is worth noting, however, that all of Alzner's shorthanded ice time came on the 21st ranked penalty kill in the league, which perhaps indicates too much ice for Karl in that regard. Nevertheless, Alzner had established himself as a minutes-eating, responsible, steady defensive defenseman, and he was that this year, to a T. He did exactly what he was supposed to and he did it well. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: Playing in all 14 postseason games, Alzner only had two assists and was a minus-one, but the story for Alzner continued to be the great defensive work he did in very hard minutes. The British Columbia native played the hardest minutes of any defenseman that played in more than four games and only had the third worst corsi rating among Capitals defensemen, a relative improvement over the regular season. In addition, Alzner's excellent play on the penalty kill helped the DC shorthanded unit improve in the early stages of the playoffs. Eventually, it fell back to earth because of some goals allowed that Alzner was on the ice for, as perhaps the wear of playing so many minutes deep in the postseason got to him. He looked a little winded late in the Rangers series, too. <b>Grade</b>: B<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Future Potential</u>: 24 by the time next season starts, Alzner will probably continue to get better as he gets older and enters his prime as an elite shutdown NHL defenseman. There's really not much more you can say about him other than the fact that he plays very hard minutes, he plays them well, and he plays a lot of them. The Caps are lucky to have him, and he is probably their best defenseman at this moment. Alzner has one more year on his contract at a cap hit of $1.285 million before reaching restricted free agency - pending the RFA rules stay the same in the next collective bargaining agreement. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
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The next report card will feature center Nicklas Backstrom.</div>
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.</div>Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-64488499862180203252012-06-15T22:05:00.000-04:002012-06-15T22:05:26.716-04:00Report Card: John Carlson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. Next up is defenseman John Carlson, who finished his third NHL season, all with the Capitals, on this past year's campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: After a superb first full season in the National Hockey League, Carlson fell victim to the dreaded sophomore slump this season. Expected to take a step forward by all, the young American defenseman struggled out of the gate and never really seemed to find his groove, going long stretches without points despite offensive opportunities being made available to him because of Mike Green's long term injury. Carlson played in 82 games for the second consecutive season, scoring nine goals, 32 points, a -15 rating (tied for worst on the team), and 22 penalty minutes. In addition, his corsi rating was the second worst among all Capitals defensemen at -5.08. It is imperative to note, however, that Carlson played the second-toughest minutes among all Washington rearguards at even strength. <b>Grade</b>: B-<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Role Play</u>: As noted above, big things were expected from Carlson this season after an excellent first go around in the NHL. Carlson was penciled in by many for around 40 points, excellent defense, and a two way game that could be rivaled by only Mike Green on the Capitals, if anyone at all. But Carlson took a step backwards, not only in terms of points, but also in terms of defensive coverage, and his points, when they came, came in spurts and were followed by long bare patches. He played against the other team's top line almost every night, but he looked lost in his own zone more often than not and seemed to fall apart whenever he was separated from Karl Alzner. He ate minutes, which is certainly admirable, and his ability to stay healthy should not be understated. But I wanted more from a player with such sky high potential. Still, what happened was not totally unexpected, as disappointing as it was for most of the season. <b>Grade</b>: C+<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: Like many Capitals players, Carlson attempted to make up for a poor regular season with a very solid playoffs. He was sixth among all Washington skaters and led defensemen with five points, including two goals, to go along with a minus-one rating and eight penalty minutes. Carlson also turned around his puck possession, ranking second among Washington defensemen in corsi at -13.67 - and he did it whole continuing to see very tough minutes, seeing the second hardest competition among Washington defensemen that played more than five playoff games. Statistics aside, I just thought Carlson was a lot better. He did not seem turned around on defense very often, and he and Alzner were rocks for the most part. In short, once April rolled around, he was lot better, and it was impressive. <b>Grade</b>: A-<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Future Potential</u>: Like Michal Neuvirth, one bad season means little for Carlson's long term ability to be a top NHL defenseman - Elliotte Friedman of CBC recently reported that "even NHL referees think [Carlson] will win a Norris Trophy one day." The talent is obviously still there and at age 22, Carlson is poised for further development. A restricted free agent as of July 1, Carlson has been given a qualifying offer, which means that Washington retains his rights and has an opportunity to match any offer sheet handed to him by an opposing team. But given the lack of offer sheets in the NHL in recent history and the relatively poor season Carlson just had, I don't see that happening. When all is said and done, I think Carlson will get a bridge deal like Alzner did - two or three years at between $1.5 and $2 million per season. This is simply because Carlson has little leverage, and if he gets back on track next year, that would be a great deal for DC. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
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The next report card will feature defenseman Karl Alzner.<br />
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-11576541388524957602012-06-14T21:55:00.000-04:002012-06-14T21:55:31.647-04:00Report Card: Alexander Semin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. Next up is winger Alexander Semin, who finished his seventh NHL season, all with the Capitals, on this past year's campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: It was a tale of two seasons for Semin, who was downright terrible by his standards until late December, posting only 14 points through December with a plus-minus rating well in the red and over 30 penalty minutes. After a two-goal performance against the Rangers on December 28, however, Semin was rather steady and inconsistent, save a five-game pointless stretch between February 28th and March 8. Overall, Semin played in 77 games, tying his career high, posting 21 goals, 54 points, a plus-nine rating, and 56 penalty minutes. He was also one of only five Capitals forwards to have a positive corsi rating, at 5.21; he did this, however, against the fifth-easiest competition among those forwards. <b>Grade</b>: B<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Role Play</u>: One-year deal or not, a player making $6.7 million (more than Jonathan Toews and Ryan Kesler, among others) is expected to score more than 21 goals and 54 points in 77 games. Granted, Semin played very well defensively even when he wasn't putting up points for the most part, but those opening two months were simply ghastly from a player who is as good as Semin is. Maybe he was hurt, maybe he was distracted, I don't know. What I do know is that despite that bad first third, Semin helped the Capitals make the playoffs with a two way game that was not appreciated for how good it really was. But man, that salary and that first two months. <b>Grade</b>: B<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: After a promising close to the Season, Semin was poor in the playoffs. He scored three goals, one of them big, in the Boston series, but only had one point, an assist, after game five against the Bruins and had a -4 rating and 10 penalty minutes in 14 games overall. Again, Semin was one of the Caps' best puck possessors with a -2.84 corsi rating (4th among forwards); he did this against relatively harder competition than he did in the regular season by playing the sixth-hardest minutes among forwards. Statistics aside, I was disappointed with Sasha's postseason. He's not a playoff choker, as he has been labeled in the past, but he was not good this year and his lack of production in the Rangers series was one of the reasons the Capitals lost; your best players have to be your best players. <b>Grade</b>: C<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Future Potential</u>: Semin, 28, will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and has expressed through his agent that he fully intends to test the market. With his agent airing his frustrations about the Washington organization to ESPN the Magazine two days after the Capitals were eliminated, it does not seem as though he wants to come back. Semin wants to be paid, and he wants more than a one-year deal; the Capitals would be foolish to give him the kind of money he earned last year over more than one year coming off a season that was not deserving of that salary. I, for one, would put the chances of him being in Capital red next year at about 20%. More likely, however, is that Semin departs for the KHL, who will be able to throw a ton of money at him. Another option is him signing a large free agent contract with another NHL team - somewhere along the lines of Detroit or Montreal. He's still a good player, but tensions and his exorbitant salary may have finally driven him out of DC. <b>Grade</b>: B<br />
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The next report card will feature defenseman John Carlson.<br />
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-50649978975115285932012-06-13T20:27:00.001-04:002012-06-13T20:27:27.992-04:00Report Card: Brooks Laich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. Next up is center Brooks Laich, who finished his ninth NHL season, and ninth with the Capitals, on this past year's campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: In the first season of a new six-year contract, Laich, like most of the Capitals, experienced a drop off in point production, scoring seven less points this year than last. He also managed to score his points rather consistently, though he did go through some rather long stretches with little point production in the winter months. Overall, he had 16 goals, 25 assists, a minus-eight rating, and 24 penalty minutes while playing in all 82 games for the second consecutive season and playing all positions up front. His puck possession numbers, however, were terrible; he checked in with a -7.49 corsi, the third worst among Caps forwards. It should be noted, however, that he also faced the toughest competition among those forwards. <b>Grade</b>: B<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Role Play</u>: With a $4.5 million cap hit, Brooks Laich is overpaid. But he is also an incredibly versatile player, and to me, he filled his role admirably for what was expected of him at the beginning of the season. Playing third line center, second line wing, second line center, and first line center, Laich played tough shutdown minutes at even strength and was also one of the Caps' prime penalty killers. His point production was modest, but again, similar to his career averages. And despite his occasional poorly-timed remarks to the media, Laich continued to be a leader on and off the ice and show why he was important for the Caps to keep around...despite his big contract. <b>Grade</b>: B+<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: Laich played in all 14 playoff games, recording two goals and five assists to tie for third in postseason scoring. He also had a plus-one rating a six penalty minutes. His corsi stayed terrible at -26.12, the worst on the team, but again he did it again against top competition among forwards. Overall, I was a fan of Laich's postseason - he was consistent, played smart, and though his puck possession was terrible, he played against top players every shift and blocked a lot of shots in a system that is anti puck possession. Plus, he was able to score more consistently. <b>Grade</b>: B+<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Future Potential</u>: Signed for five more years at a cap hit of $4.5 million, the 28 year old Laich has probably had his best season, if not close to it. But I see no reason that he will not continue to put up good defensive numbers, be very versatile, and play a lot of tough minutes for the foreseeable future, especially next season. Laich has never been a sexy player, nor will he ever be one. He's solid and unspectacular, and he will continue to be. It's not awesome and it won't blow your doors off, but there is something to be said for it. That said - it will be interesting to see if he plays more center or wing next season - particularly if the Capitals get a center in the offseason. <b>Grade</b>: B<br />
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The next report card will feature winger Alexander Semin.<br />
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-4629954088059050552012-06-12T19:52:00.001-04:002012-06-12T19:52:43.704-04:00One Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Read my latest column for RtR, where I close the book on the 2011-12 NHL season by talking about the Kings, what they tell us, and waiting. You can read the article <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/june/one-day.html">here</a>.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-28024490282089442152012-06-10T21:36:00.000-04:002012-06-10T21:36:48.629-04:00Report Card: Tomas Vokoun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. Next up is goaltender Tomas Vokoun, who finished his first season with the Capitals but his 14th NHL season overall on this past campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: After signing a one year, $1.5 million contract to head to Washington on July 2nd, Vokoun's season got off to a rocky start when Michal Neuvirth was inexplicably chosen over him to start the season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes. Once Vokoun got in the net, he was great, winning his first six starts with Vezina-caliber numbers and helping fuel the Caps' hot start. His play declined in November and parts of December, but by Christmas, he was keeping the Caps afloat, winning all but two of his starts between December 28th and January 13th. Vokoun began to struggle with injuries as the season wore on, and only played in four games after February 22nd. Overall, the veteran had a 25-17-2 record, a 2.51 GAA, .917 save percentage, and four shutouts. <b>Grade</b>: B+<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Role Play</u>: Vokoun signed in Washington with the goal of making a long playoff run, he said such when he signed. However, his signing also gave the Capitals the first bona-fide star goaltender they had had since Olie Kolzig's prime. It had been a long time since the Caps had a true number one guy, and when Vokoun was healthy, he played like that guy - stealing games for the Caps in their anti puck possession system. He was significantly better than Michal Neuvirth this season, contrary to popular belief, and when he was healthy, he deserved to get the call in goal; this is not a debate. Vokoun was the reason that the Capitals were able to tread water throughout the winter months, especially through tough patches in the schedule. Unfortunately, he got hurt before he could prove his worth in the playoffs, but make no mistake: without him, there are no playoffs. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: After injuring himself late in March against Boston, Vokoun was not healthy enough to play at the start of the postseason. Though he recovered by the end of the playoffs, he never got a chance to play because of Braden Holtby carrying the Caps to the second round. <b>Grade</b>: N/A<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Future Potential</u>: Earlier this week, it was announced that Vokoun, who would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1, had been traded to the Penguins for a 7th round pick in the 2012 draft; Vokoun then signed a two-year, $4 million deal with Pittsburgh later that day. We all knew that Vokoun was going to leave, but it certainly stinks to see him to Pittsburgh, shoring up the Penguins' one spot of weakness. I have no doubt that Vokoun can still be a top goaltender when healthy, the proved it this year on a below-average regular season team and he can do the same next year on a deeper team with more balance. Part of me kind of thinks he, and not Marc-Andre Fleury, will start the most games for the Penguins next year. <b>Grade</b>: B+<br />
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The next report card will feature center Brooks Laich.<br />
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-28938108178975840662012-06-09T17:09:00.002-04:002012-06-09T17:09:34.735-04:00Say No to the Same<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Read my latest for RtR, in which I examine why Dean Evason, a current Capitals assistant, would be a poor choice as their next had coach. You can read the article <a href="http://rockthered.net/2012-articles/june/say-no-to-the-same.html">here</a>.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-85222845809421324552012-06-08T23:18:00.002-04:002012-06-08T23:18:31.514-04:00Offseason Evaluation: Dennis Wideman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. Next up is defenseman Dennis Wideman, who finished his second season with the Capitals, but 7th NHL season overall, on this past campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: Wideman got off to a blazing start, recording seven points in his first seven games and 12 in his first 14. This was a significant surprise to some, who thought that Mike Green would carry the offensive load along rearguards and his success at the beginning was not expected. After his hot start, however, Wideman was decidedly mediocre and at times poor down the stretch in terms of point production; though he did have some hot stretches, he also had some very long dry spells. Overall, he played in 82 games, recording 11 goals, 35 assists, a minus-eight rating, and 46 penalty minutes. At even strength, he was the Caps' fourth-best puck possessor among defensemen with a -1.09 corsi rating; he accomplished this against the third-hardest competition among defensemen. <b>Grade</b>: B+<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Role Play</u>: Because it was expected that Mike Green would be healthy most of the year, not much was expected out of Wideman by many this year. But when he was given the chances, Wideman was what Wideman has always been: an offensive defenseman with a big shot, puck moving ability, and challenges in his own zone. His 46 points and negative rating indicated that, and 46 points from someone who started the year on your third defensive pairing is nothing to sneeze at. Sure, Wideman's salary says that maybe he should be better in his own zone. But in terms of points from defensemen, Wideman was the Caps' best and most consistent player. It wasn't pretty, but the numbers speak for themselves for Washington's only all-star (GULP). <b>Grade</b>: B+<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: Pshaw. As good as his regular season was, Wideman's playoffs were terrible. Playing in all 14 games, Wideman had three points, all assists, and was minus-seven, the worst among all NHL postseason players at that time; he did not have a single playoff game in which he had a positive rating. Again, he was the third best puck possessor among defensemen; he did it against the second easiest competition among defensemen. He struggled in his own end terribly; he and Jeff Schultz were a constant unmitigated disaster and were constantly at the center of defensive breakdowns. In addition, even though the power play could not score more often than not, Dale Hunter continued trotting him out there with the man advantage, which was an adventure that nobody enjoyed. I was disappointed that he did not see less ice as the playoffs wore on. <b>Grade</b>: D+<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Future Potential</u>: An unrestricted free agent, the 29 year-old Wideman is due for a large pay day this offseason, and if the Caps have any sense at all, it won't be from them. As one of maybe four defensemen on the unrestricted market who can run a power play, Wideman will be in high demand and will get a multi-year deal with an annual cap hit north of $4.5-5 million. The Caps do not have that kind of money, and even if they did, I wouldn't want him back because of his inconsistency and his defensive inefficiencies, which are pronounced. This is not the same as Mike Green, either; Green is a restricted free agent and has a much higher upside. Wideman will probably get his 50 points next year in Edmonton or Dallas; let him do it. He will be a solid player, just hopefully not here. <b>Grade</b>: B<br />
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The next report card will feature goaltender Tomas Vokoun.<br />
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-62871012246515953832012-06-07T13:49:00.000-04:002012-06-07T13:49:06.442-04:00Report Card: Marcus Johansson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. Next up is center Marcus Johansson, who finished his second NHL season and second with the Capitals on this past campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: In his second professional season, Johansson was able to avoid the dreaded "sophomore slump," increasing his point total by 21. His year got off to a sour start - a bad camp led to him being scratched on opening night - but once he got in the lineup, he produced at a steady offensive pace. All told, the Swedish pivot played in 80 games, totaling 14 goals, 32 assists, a minus-five rating, and eight penalty minutes. Despite these solid offensive totals, however, Johansson was terrible at possessing the puck, earning the second-worst even strength corsi rating among forwards at -8.09 while facing middle of the pack competition. <b>Grade</b>: B-<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Role Play</b>: After another offseason in which George McPhee failed to address the hole at second line center, Johansson did the best that he could as a 21 year-old in his second pro season, but wasn't what the Caps needed out of that slot. However, I don't think it's fair to slam JoJo for his inability to do so - because the expectation that he would be able to was unrealistic from the beginning. Johansson also moved around to wing under Dale Hunter, both playing on the side and in the middle, and looked better as a winger at times, filling that role rather well. His point totals were not bad for his salary, either. For a player of his size and experience, I think 48 points is more than acceptable - it's not his fault that he's been forced into incredibly tough situations. It seems that all people will remember about Johansson is things he was not able to do, but that's not fair. He was solid for a 21 year old, and he will get better. <b>Grade</b>: B<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: Johansson's playoffs were a tale of two series. Against Boston, he had all three of his playoff points and was visibly one of the best players on the ice for the Capitals. Against New York, he was downright terrible, missing a lot of chances, overpassing, and being held pointless. Again, these kinds of ups and downs are to be expected from young players, but it was still disappointing to see such a sharp decline from one series to the next. Overall, Johansson had one goal, two assists, a minus-six rating, and zero PIMs in his 14 playoff contests. He also continued to struggle with a -21.96 corsi rating, tenth-best on the team among forwards, which was again done against middle of the pack competition. <b>Grade</b>: C+<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Futre Potential</u>: Signed for one more year at a cap hit of less than $1 million before reaching restricted free agency, Johansson is a good young player who the Caps and their fans should be happy to have. Johansson is still developing, and though he will never score 100, or even 90, points in a season, he could possibly crack 80 at one point. That, coupled with his speed, playmaking, and solid two-way ability make him a good player on any team. However, should the Caps elect to bring in a center for the second line, that would press Johansson's role into a bit of limbo, as Brooks Laich has the third line center spot on lock in my book. That could mean a more permanent move to wing for JoJo, which wouldn't be terrible, but I kind of want to see what he can offer as a center. <b>Grade</b>: B+<br />
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The next report card will feature defenseman Dennis Wideman.<br />
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.<br />
<a class="twitter-follow-button" count="false" href="http://twitter.com/HarryHawkings">Follow @HarryHawkings</a>Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-76661563481803232412012-06-05T21:34:00.000-04:002012-06-05T21:34:00.383-04:00Report Card: Jason Chimera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukqTY60CDlFYRZaiyvgRkXFI2itTbbLxIKoJCS1qytQVNf2khGHHH-zixwcXiaYxKGcc3uFb3QRNP-wEbVwtvW6m_gRzgu3fs9vWZkmPrvwzLctdhftH040pMP5acH9_kfZiBD2ayC08/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-06-05+at+9.31.06+PM.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukqTY60CDlFYRZaiyvgRkXFI2itTbbLxIKoJCS1qytQVNf2khGHHH-zixwcXiaYxKGcc3uFb3QRNP-wEbVwtvW6m_gRzgu3fs9vWZkmPrvwzLctdhftH040pMP5acH9_kfZiBD2ayC08/s400/Screen+shot+2012-06-05+at+9.31.06+PM.png.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. Next up is winger Jason Chimera, who finished his 11th NHL season and third as a member of the Capitals on this past year's campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: Chimera started the year very well, posting four goals in his first five games to help the Caps get out to their 7-0 start. His production slowed down a bit, obviously, but he was rather consistent throughout the entire season and averaged 13 points for every two months. All told, in 82 games, the 32 (and then 33) year old winger had 20 goals, a career high, and 19 assists to go along with a plus-four rating and 78 penalty minutes. Chimera was also one of the Caps' best puck possessors, one of only five forwards with a positive corsi rating of 0.83. Chimera did this against the third-toughest competition of any Capitals forward. <b>Grade</b>: A-<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Role Play</u>: Chimera entered the season with low expectations as a third line winger, and he took everyone by surprise by posting the best season of his career my almost any measure. In a season where the Caps always struggled to get their big name players to come through, it was Chimera who often saved Washington, seemingly scoring game-tying or winning goals at will. His size, speed, and tenacity on the forecheck were also big parts of the Caps' success, there was no aspect of the game that Chimera continuously struggled with. He agitated, scored, and played clean with the exception of his ill-advised hit on Adam McQuaid in Boston (though McQuaid did turn in to the hit). Surpassing expectations the way Chimmer did this year was a big part of DC getting as far as they did. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: Chimera's great season continued in the playoffs, as he was third on the team in postseason scoring with four goals and three assists in 14 games; he added a plus-five rating and six penalty minutes as well. Just like the regular season, Chimera was the third-best puck possessor among Caps forwards, posting a 5v5 corsi of -0.96. However, the quality of Chimera's competition dropped, relatively speaking, as he faced the sixth-easiest of any Capitals forward. Still, he found a way to keep the ice not totally tilted against the Caps, which was an accomplishment in the system the Caps played. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Future Potential</u>: Signed for two more years at a salary cap hit of $1.75 million per season, Chimera's production and elevated play this year were a bargain both based on his old salary and at the salary of his extension, which starts this upcoming year. Even if he doesn't score that many points, he's still valuable because of speed and grit, but it's important in this instance to be aware that his value will almost certainly never be higher. He didn't get lucky this year, statistically at least (PDO of 994), but I still don't think the odds of him scoring at that pace again are very high; he is not a second-line winger on a contending team. Because of his low cap hit, he could be a player that the Caps decide to add to a package for a second center, and that would be an acceptable outcome for me. In no way am I saying the Caps should trade him, but it is certainly an option. <b>Grade</b>: B<br />
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The next report card will feature center Marcus Johansson.<br />
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.<br />
<a class="twitter-follow-button" count="false" href="http://twitter.com/HarryHawkings">Follow @HarryHawkings</a>Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075775301770252880.post-61026559490570353022012-06-04T22:05:00.000-04:002012-06-04T22:05:28.424-04:00Report Card: Braden Holtby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX1IQq58vMFBnSUqcfoNeXQ1ZTk5rU4ogntdvDp7VeaXGq2XSkf2ASKZlUdEyPpSZ4RYxI4OBE8qg8IVDdqMjsC9uzySy5irf2hK0Ny4U4a_RhrIO27oXs9n14eDZeqNj04ig78WbMFY/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-06-04+at+10.01.20+PM.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX1IQq58vMFBnSUqcfoNeXQ1ZTk5rU4ogntdvDp7VeaXGq2XSkf2ASKZlUdEyPpSZ4RYxI4OBE8qg8IVDdqMjsC9uzySy5irf2hK0Ny4U4a_RhrIO27oXs9n14eDZeqNj04ig78WbMFY/s400/Screen+shot+2012-06-04+at+10.01.20+PM.png.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As the 2011-12 season has come to a close, the time has come to evaluate what it meant for the Capitals, both as a team and as individuals. As such, as the summer progresses, I will be writing a report card, or individual evaluation, for each player who played in 9 (~10%) of the team's games, or 4 playoff games. Next up is goaltender Braden Holtby, who finished his third professional season in the Capitals' organization on this past campaign.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Season Summary</u>: Holtby struggled down in Hershey bigtime at the beginning of this season, putting up poor numbers through the first half of the year. When he was called up to DC in February, he was hammered to the tune of five goals on 35 shots against San Jose, but just like last year, his second recall was much more successful. Pressed in to action because of injuries and poor performances, Holtby collected seven of a possible ten points in the games he started in March and April and helped get the Capitals to the playoffs. Overall, he finished with a 4-2-1 record, 2.50 goals against average, .922 save percentage, and one shutout in seven games (six starts). <b>Grade</b>: B+<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Role Play</u>: In the regular season, Holtby did just about everything you could ask from a rookie. With the exception of two games, he was more than solid in regular season action and helped Washington pick up critical points in big games down the stretch. I don't know what else you could want from a guy who entered the season third on the organizational goaltending depth chart. Though he didn't play many games, his impact was significant when his team needed him - something Michal Neuvirth and Tomas Vokoun cannot say. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Playoffs</u>: Again forced to start because of injuries, Holtby shocked the hockey world by carrying the Capitals almost singlehandedly to a victory over the Cup champion Bruins and pushing the top-seeded Rangers to seven games. In his 14 postseason starts, Holtby recorded a 7-7 record, 1.95 GAA, and .935 save percentage, great numbers for anyone, but especially a rookie against the East's top two teams. He was mortal at times, such as game one against New York, but in the end, he was the reason the Caps got as far as they did with some highlight-reel saves. I was very impressed, once again, with his play. <b>Grade</b>: A+<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Future Potential</u>: Despite his exceptional playoffs, Holtby should not be the number one goalie next year, nor is his performance a reason to trade Michal Neuvirth. Make no mistake: Holtby is a supremely talented goalie and he has excelled at the NHL level. But the sophomore slump will almost surely come, like it does with all young goalies, and with 35 games of NHL experience, I am not ready to give Holtby a 60 game workload over the course of a full season. You shouldn't either. He may prove me wrong, but he and Neuvirth should fight it out for starts until a number one is decided upon near the playoffs. Nevertheless, he is a special talent and I think he will be a very good goalie at this level, as do many scouts. <b>Grade</b>: A<br />
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The next report card will feature winger Jason Chimera.<br />
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As always, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HarryHawkings">follow me on Twitter here</a> for news and updates.<br />
<a class="twitter-follow-button" count="false" href="http://twitter.com/HarryHawkings">Follow @HarryHawkings</a>Harry Hawkingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04570768996485063660noreply@blogger.com0